The Thompson
Nicola Region in the British Columbia Interior, stretches from the
town of Lytton
in the south, taking in the Nicola
Valley region, the city of Kamloops,
the ever popular Shuswap
area and east towards Revelstoke
and the mountains. As you head in a north easterly direction the region
encompasses the North
Thompson Valley, Wells
Gray Provincial Park, and continues to Mount
Robson Park and the Alberta border. This popular region of BC has
history, cattle and ranching, forests and the lumber industry, houseboating
and water sports. The climate ranges from arid, hot and dry in the south
to hot summers and cold, snowy winters in the eastern and northern sections.
This part of BC is known for its many lakes
and excellent fishing. Things to see
and do never stop. The many adventures are yours to enjoy, there's rafting
and kayaking, skiing, rodeos and stampedes, cattle drives, gold panning
and back country camping and hiking.

Zoa
Peak: Located between Hope
and Merritt,
are huge granite slabs that are part of the Zopkios Ridge. From Hope take
Highway
5, the Coquihalla, till you reach the Zopkios Rest Area where you
have a great view of the ridge. For a much better view take the hiking
trail to Zoa Peak, an excellent day trip. There are other hiking trails
in the area, but be very careful, terrain and weather can change quickly,
so don't take on more than you can handle.

In and around
the Adams River are very pleasant and easy hiking trails that the whole
family will enjoy. There are 18 km (11 mi.) of winding forest trails along
both sides of the Adams River. Seeing
black bears, mink, otters, eagles and other waterfowl is a great possibility
on this hike. If visiting here in mid-October, you should watch the salmon
spawning in Roderick
Haig-Brown Provincial Park, near Chase.

Mount
Revelstoke National Park with Revelstoke
located at the western entrance has more than 65 (40 mi.) of hiking trails,
where back country hikers, naturalists and cross country skiers enjoy what
nature has provided. The 26 km (16 mi.) road that leads to the park's western
entrance is open only from mid-July to mid-October and takes you to the
summit. The mountain scenery here is awesome and the alpine meadows only
add to the whole spectrum. There are a number of hiking trails in the park,
but one of the better known and easier is the Giant Cedars Trail, where
a boardwalk takes you into a cedar and hemlock forest that dates back a
thousand years.

More than
400 glaciers help make up Glacier
National Park, located between Revelstoke
and Golden on the
Trans
Canada Highway, where there's a network of fine hiking trails. Just
east of Rogers Pass, you will find a trail that leads to Mount Tupper
and the Rogers peaks, others lead to Connaught and Cougar Creeks and to
Cougar Valley, still other trails take you to the glaciers of Illecillewaet
and Asulkan.

This is
mountain country, beware of rapidly changing weather conditions and the
difficult terrain. Be safe, have fun!

One of B.C.'s
best hiking areas is Wells
Gray Provincial Park, located just north of Clearwater
on the Yellowhead Highway.
Wells Gray, is known as one of North America's finest wilderness parks offering
superb views of mountains, valleys, rivers, lake and waterfalls. Lava beds
and rocks are just another plus for your hiking enjoyment.

Located on the
west side of Mount Robson, is the Valley of a Thousand Falls, where you
can hike and view the largest concentration of waterfalls in Canada. This
is backpacking country with a few good campsites that help you make the
most of the scenery in this valley. The most note worthy waterfalls are
White Falls, Falls of the Pool and Emperor Falls, all are on the Robson
River. This hike can be in cooperated with the Berg Lake Trail. Your back
country trek starts at the Mount Robson Information Centre, where camp site
fees can be paid and you can gather the very latest hiking conditions and
weather forecasts. This is bear country, store food accordingly and be prepared
whatever the terrain and climate might dish out.

For some
honest to goodness strenuous and advanced back country hiking, the excursion
to Berg Glacier will definitely give you this high. Once you have reached
Berg Lake Campground, make it your home base and explore the many trails
in and around Berg Glacier and the north side of Mount Robson. If you're
up to it, continue hiking to Moose Lake on the Yellowhead Highway. Hiking
from start to finish will take from seven to ten days and is a definite
challenge.

Stein
Valley Nlaka'pamux Heritage Park:

The Thompson
Nicola Region has many other hiking trails, from easy day hikes to extreme
lengthy treks. A very interest and lengthy hike is the Stein Valley Trail,
located out of Lytton in the Fraser
River Canyon. No matter where your hiking abilities take you, always
be well prepared and keep safety at the forefront. Be safe, have fun!